In many ways, 2023 has been a year of transitions, in other ways, things remain the same as they ever were. Regardless, in no particular order, there is a lot to be thankful and grateful for:
- It probably goes without saying the biggest change this year was the arrival in early March of our daughter Manon. Having her around has meant navigating new schedules and needs, but also brought a new lens of experience and thinking. It is a joy to be her dad and I am grateful she is here.
- Correspondingly, having Manon around makes me ever more grateful for Kate, who juggles a lot of shit and keeps it all mostly together. She is often funny, makes a fine side salad and/or strong manhattan, and keeps on keeping on.
- Our house, though probably too small, is well curated in its decor, plopped amongst lovely neighbors and beautiful parkland and lakes, and a short walk from Lunds, arancini, and a cup of coffee. I'm grateful to live here.
- Obi, resident goodboi, coworker, food helper, professional sleeper, and general pure creature.
- Having a kid brings new shades of relationships to my own parents and their partners, my aunt, uncle, cousins, and other extended family, as well as my brother/sister-in-law and niece. It is a delight to go through life with these folks, to learn from them, be around them, and have the benefit of their presence.
- Chipotle burritos - white rice, black beans, chicken (carne asada if I'm feeling v. fancy), corn salsa, hot salsa, sour cream, cheese, lettuce.
- One thing we talked often about pre-kid was our desire to not lose ourselves, to maintain our priorities and integrate Manon into them. I was thankful and grateful that we were able to continue our Memorial Day trip into the BWCAW with perhaps the youngest wilderness traveler in tow.
- On that same vein, last year an offhand comment to my first-cousin once-removed turned into a very real 3 night journey back to the BWCAW. We faced wind, rain, a burn-ban, and hordes of mosquitos, and I felt grateful to be able to introduce Oliver to a place I love so much and also get to see the world and its people from his perspective.
- I'm grateful for well-designed and intentional things.
- My job and profession matter to me and I like the people I work with.
- Hikes of at least 5 miles.
- This year our communities changed somewhat - what ebbed or went away in one direction I feel was made up for by either new/emerging friendships or older ones that have become more nuanced and meaningful. It's cliche but true - friends are your chosen family, and not an hour goes by where I'm not grateful for them.
- Writing things down - I have become more intentional about documenting dates, goings-on, and random factoids, and it's unlocked slower and intentional thought.
- Long drives.
- The opportunity to meet new people - one standout that comes to mind was the micro-community that arose last January among the group snowed in at the top of Red Mountain Pass.
- I went to see Dead and Company at Wrigley Field for their final tour with my BFF and brother-in-law, and the shows were as sick and the vibes were as good as you would expect.
- Just a really cold, shitty, delicious beer. PBR or Grain Belt are good, Hamms is best.
- Sandals in the summer, wool socks in the winter.
- Things that last and get better with age - boots, chambray shirts, cast iron pans, you know the drill.
- Over easy eggs on toast with a cup of coffee - oh yes, and hash browns.
- Being given the opportunity to feel a little uncomfortable.
- I've been thinking a lot recently about the important of rituals - things you do, over and over, for no reason other than the fact that you do them. I noticed I missed last year's Thanksgiving list (which previously dated back to I think 2011), and while I won't beat myself up over that, it's important to keep doing the things that make you you, and also be open to creating new rituals.
- It's always a joy to reconnect with old friends who didn't fall away, but did fade from mind.
- Whiskey drinks at the end of a day.
- A glorious season of Twins baseball, and to be present to see the postseason streak end.
- "In My Hour of Darkness" by Gram Parsons.
- Hanging at a brewery with family, friends, or sometimes just even yourself.
- That ethereal feeling you get sliding over snow with planks on your feet.
- YouTube videos of Canadians cooking, ASMR outdoor cooking, and truck stuff adventures.
- Walking and contemplating through a museum, any museum.
- Tactile things that make little sounds.
- Snoopygrams on IG.
